"Hi Mike,
Do you think a 16 1/2 year old boy should take protein supplements?
Thank you."
This is an interesting question and is definitely not one that is clearly yes or no.
Before I even get into how much protein we need to consume (because I believe this is what I am being asked) lets first remember that a protein supplement is just protein!
Well, duh!
But what I mean is that it's really no different then the protein you get from fish, meat or eggs.
It does not have any special anabolic properties when compared to other protein sources from whole foods like eggs, chicken or fish (of course the protein supplement companies will try to convince you otherwise).
How much protein do athletes need?
- Approximately 2g/kg (1g/lb) of body weight should be enough.
- Note that the recommended is 0.8g/kg but this is way to low for athletes.
- The 0.8g/kg is based on sedentary people.
- Do not worry about having to much protein and the health of your kidneys.
Read this http://johnberardi.com/articles/nutrition/kidney.htm
Is a protein supplement needed?
- If you truly are not getting enough protein from your diet alone then they can be useful. Probably more of a concern with someone eating more of a vegetarian diet.
- It's all about convenience, so they are useful to use when at school when you are away from home and unable to get some real food in you. This obviously can be solved by simply planning your meals ahead of time.
If you are going to use a protein supplement.
- First, read the label. Most protein powders are loaded with crap like artificial flavors, coloring, sweeteners and tons of sugar. It should just be protein and natural flavor like cocoa powder. You can also buy just plain protein powder then add your own flavor with fruit.
- Can you digest it or does it give you gas, cramping or diarrhea (which are all signs of digestion issues)? It is no good for you if you cannot digest it or the people around you!
- Can you tolerate the taste? Protein supplements are well known for tasting more similar to sewage then actual food.
- You get what you pay for, if you are going to invest in supplements then you cannot worry about the cost.
What do I recommend?
- There are not many of these products I recommend but two that I have used and comply with my nutritional values are:
http://www.naturalfactors.com - just whey protein with flavour. Double Chocolate is really good. Note that whey is from milk protein.
Added bonus, both of the above companies are also Canadian!
Sorry for my European friends, I do not think you can get either of these overseas.
Be Well,
Mike Reid
Protein supplement has many benefits and if your body does not get enough protein from other sources like food, protein supplement is an excellent substitute. And there are so many quality proteins available in the market today you can be sure of finding the protein supplement is good for your specific needs, if you will use for the building program or rebate in the form. You can get the right protein supplement by taking both the ingredients and the cost into account.
Posted by: protein85 | Feb 14, 2011 at 03:07
I was never really sure if such things really worked but after I tried all natural Whey Protein for awhile I did start to notice a big difference, I really think they are quite helpful but as you mention you have to make sure you know what you are getting.
Posted by: Sean Carter | Mar 06, 2013 at 14:10
We need them when we don't get needed stamina for our body. I haven't tried it yet. Let me know if it is good to take it without prescription.
Posted by: epistane | Dec 03, 2013 at 22:10
That was really a tricky question but I think you did justice to it. There is no doubt that a 16 something needs protein supplements. Like you pointed out I also believe that if that young chap is given to sports then definitely he needs it.
Posted by: OptimiumP | Jul 23, 2015 at 08:06